When most people think about indoor comfort, they focus on temperature. But humidity – both too much and too little – plays a significant role in your home’s comfort and your HVAC system’s performance. The right balance of humidity improves air quality, energy efficiency, and even the lifespan of your air conditioning and heating equipment.
At Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning, we help homeowners in Denver maintain the perfect indoor climate year-round. In this guide, we’ll explore how humidity affects your HVAC system, your comfort, and what you can do to achieve optimal indoor air quality.
What Is Humidity and Why Does It Matter?
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. It’s typically measured as relative humidity (RH), which is the percentage of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature.
For ideal indoor comfort, the recommended humidity level is between 30% and 50%. Levels outside this range can lead to problems with your HVAC system, health, and home environment.
- High humidity (above 50%) can cause mold growth, poor air quality, and a strain on your HVAC system.
- Low humidity (below 30%) can lead to dry skin, respiratory issues, and increased static electricity in your home.
How High Humidity Affects Your HVAC System
Excessive moisture in the air makes your air conditioning system work harder to keep your home cool and comfortable. Here’s why:
1. Overworking Your Air Conditioner
When humidity is high, your air conditioning system must remove both heat and moisture from the air. This added workload can:
- Reduce efficiency, making your system run longer and use more energy.
- Increase wear and tear, leading to more frequent repairs.
- Shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner.
2. Poor Cooling Performance
Even if your AC is running, high humidity can make your home feel warmer and sticky. This is because excess moisture prevents sweat from evaporating off your skin, making you feel hotter than the actual temperature.
3. Mold and Mildew Growth
Warm, damp conditions create the perfect environment for mold and mildew. High humidity levels can cause condensation inside your HVAC system, leading to mold growth in:
- Air ducts
- Evaporator coils
- Air filters
Mold spores can then circulate through your home, leading to allergies, respiratory issues, and musty odors.
4. Higher Energy Bills
Since your air conditioning system must work harder in humid conditions, it consumes more energy. This leads to higher electricity bills during the summer.
How Low Humidity Affects Your HVAC System
While high humidity is a common issue during warmer months, low humidity can be just as problematic – especially during Denver’s dry winters.
1. Increased Static Electricity
Dry air increases static electricity, leading to annoying shocks when touching doorknobs, carpets, and electronics.
2. Dry and Cracked Wood
Low humidity can cause hardwood floors, furniture, and wooden doors to crack or warp over time. This is especially concerning in Denver’s climate, where dry air is common in winter.
3. Respiratory Problems
Dry indoor air can irritate your throat, nose, and lungs, causing:
- Dry skin and chapped lips
- Worsened allergies and asthma
- Increased risk of colds and respiratory infections
4. Strain on Your Heating System
When humidity is too low, air feels colder than it actually is. This often leads homeowners to crank up the heat, increasing energy usage and heating bills.
The Role of Your HVAC System in Controlling Humidity
Your HVAC system does more than just heat and cool your home – it also plays a crucial role in humidity control.
1. Air Conditioners and Humidity
Your air conditioning system naturally removes some humidity as it cools the air. However, if your AC is too large for your home, it may cool the air too quickly without effectively dehumidifying, leading to lingering moisture.
2. Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
If high humidity is a recurring problem, installing a whole-home dehumidifier can help maintain balanced moisture levels. These systems work alongside your HVAC unit to remove excess humidity and improve comfort.
3. Furnaces and Humidity
In winter, your furnace can dry out indoor air, leading to the issues associated with low humidity.
4. Whole-Home Humidifiers
To combat dry air, a whole-home humidifier can be installed within your HVAC system. This device adds moisture to the air as it circulates, preventing overly dry conditions.
Tips for Maintaining Ideal Indoor Humidity
Here are some practical steps to keep your home’s humidity levels in check:
For High Humidity (Above 50%)
Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove excess moisture.
Install a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity.
Ensure your air conditioning system is properly sized and maintained.
Keep air filters clean to prevent airflow blockages.
For Low Humidity (Below 30%)
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air during winter.
Keep houseplants indoors, as they naturally increase humidity.
Avoid overusing your furnace, and consider setting it to a moderate temperature.
Place bowls of water near heating vents to introduce moisture into the air.
Why Choose Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning?
At Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand that humidity control is just as important as temperature control when it comes to indoor comfort. Whether you need air conditioning services to reduce humidity or a humidifier installation for dry winter air, our team has the expertise to help.
We offer:
Expert HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation
Energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions
Whole-home humidifier and dehumidifier installations
Personalized recommendations for improving indoor air quality
Contact Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning Today!
If you’re struggling with high or low humidity levels, your HVAC system may need an upgrade or adjustment. At Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide expert solutions for Denver air conditioning and heating needs.
Call us today to schedule an HVAC inspection and take control of your indoor comfort!